Indigestion: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a condition characterized by discomfort, pain, or burning sensation in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by bloating, nausea, and heartburn.

It can be triggered by eating large or fatty meals, spicy foods, citrus fruits, and carbonated beverages, as well as stress, anxiety, and certain medications. If left untreated, indigestion can lead to inflammation, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers, increasing the risk of complications like esophageal cancer.

To alleviate indigestion, herbal remedies like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can be used to soothe the stomach and ease digestion. Medicinal preparations like ginger tea, peppermint oil, and chamomile supplements can be effective.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of indigestion, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of indigestion?

The main causes of indigestion are attributed to several factors, including the consumption of trigger foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy and fatty foods, which can irritate the stomach lining and cause acid reflux.

Additionally, eating large or heavy meals, lying down after eating, and skipping meals can put pressure on the stomach, leading to indigestion. Other contributing factors include stress and anxiety, which can slow down digestion and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Certain medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, and hiatal hernia, can also cause indigestion by impairing the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Furthermore, pregnancy, obesity, and smoking can increase the risk of developing indigestion due to increased pressure on the stomach and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.

• Overeating: Overeating can cause indigestion due to the excessive consumption of food, which can put pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux and discomfort.
• Food Allergies: Food allergies, especially to dairy or gluten, can cause indigestion due to the body's immune response to the allergenic substance, resulting in inflammation and digestive issues.
• Carbonated Drinks: Consuming carbonated beverages, such as soda or sparkling water, can lead to indigestion due to the carbon dioxide gas released in the stomach, which can cause stomach bloating and discomfort.
• Spicy Foods: Eating spicy foods can cause indigestion due to the capsaicin in chili peppers, which can irritate the stomach lining and cause acid reflux.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause indigestion due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus and cause discomfort.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can cause indigestion due to the fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can affect digestion and cause stomach discomfort.
• Anxiety and Stress: Anxiety and stress can cause indigestion due to the tightening of the stomach muscles, which can slow down digestion and cause stomach discomfort.
• Caffeine: Consuming caffeine can cause indigestion due to its stimulatory effect on the stomach, which can increase acid production and cause stomach discomfort.
• Eating Too Quickly: Eating too quickly can cause indigestion due to the lack of time for proper digestion, leading to stomach discomfort and acid reflux.
• Sleep Position: Sleeping on one's back or stomach can cause indigestion due to the pressure on the stomach and esophagus, which can cause stomach discomfort and acid reflux.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for indigestion?

The main medicinal herbs used for indigestion are Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum vulgare, Curcuma longa, Mentha x piperita, Cinchona officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Cinnamomum verum, Angelica archangelica, Cuminum cyminum.

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce nausea and vomiting by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice root, soothes the stomach lining and reduces inflammation, while Foeniculum vulgare, fennel, helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and relieve gas and bloating. Curcuma longa, turmeric, contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

Additionally, Cuminum cyminum, cumin, may help to stimulate digestive enzymes and improve nutrient absorption, and Mentha x piperita, peppermint, and Ginkgo biloba may help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and improve digestion, while Cinnamomum verum, cinnamon, and Angelica archangelica, angelica, may help to regulate blood flow and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps with indigestion by inhibiting the production of a chemical called trypsin, which breaks down proteins in the stomach, thereby reducing inflammation and nausea.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with indigestion by soothing the mucous membranes in the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation and protecting the stomach lining from acid damage.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, known as fennel, helps with indigestion by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract and reducing inflammation in the stomach, which helps to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and nausea.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, helps with indigestion by reducing inflammation in the stomach and intestines, which in turn reduces the production of stomach acid and alleviates symptoms of indigestion and nausea.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, known as peppermint, helps with indigestion by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract and reducing inflammation in the stomach, which helps to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and nausea.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, known as cinchona, does not have a specific effect on indigestion, however it is used to treat altitude sickness and fever.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, known as ginkgo, does not have a specific effect on indigestion, however it is used to improve blood circulation and memory.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, known as cinnamon, helps with indigestion by reducing inflammation in the stomach and intestines, which in turn reduces the production of stomach acid and alleviates symptoms of indigestion and nausea.
• Angelica archangelica: Angelica archangelica, known as angelica, helps with indigestion by reducing inflammation in the stomach and intestines, which in turn reduces the production of stomach acid and alleviates symptoms of indigestion and nausea.
• Cuminum cyminum: Cuminum cyminum, known as cumin, helps with indigestion by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract and reducing inflammation in the stomach, which helps to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and nausea.

What are the main herbal preparations used for indigestion?

The main herbal preparations used for indigestion are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Suppository, Gel, Salve, Tablets, Elixir, Tea, Powder.

Decoction involves boiling herbs in water to extract active compounds, making it effective for soothing digestive issues like bloating and cramps. Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, is often used to treat indigestion due to its bioavailability and ability to absorb quickly into the bloodstream. Capsules and tablets are convenient forms of herbal preparations, containing powdered herbs like peppermint or ginger that can aid digestion.

Additionally, topical preparations like gel, salve, suppository, and powder can also be used to treat indigestion, particularly when symptoms are localized to the abdominal area.

• Decoction: A decoction of plants such as Ginkgo biloba and Gentiana lutea helps with indigestion by releasing their bioactive compounds, which can soothe the stomach and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating symptoms of indigestion.
• Tincture: A tincture of plants like Zingiber officinale and Carum carvi helps with indigestion by dissolving their volatile oils, which can stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion by reducing inflammation and improving gut motility.
• Capsule: A capsule filled with powdered plants like Cichorium intybus and Plantago lanceolata helps with indigestion by releasing their bioactive compounds, which can soothe the stomach and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating symptoms of indigestion.
• Suppository: A suppository of plants like Aloe barbadensis and Calendula officinalis helps with indigestion by releasing their anti-inflammatory compounds directly into the rectum, which can soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating symptoms of indigestion.
• Gel: A gel of plants like Aloe vera and Chamomilla recutita helps with indigestion by providing a soothing and protective barrier to the stomach and digestive tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of indigestion and reducing inflammation.
• Salve: A salve of plants like Calendula officinalis and Matricaria chamomilla helps with indigestion by providing a topical application that can soothe the stomach and digestive tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of indigestion and reducing inflammation.
• Tablets: Tablets made from powdered plants like Trifolium pratense and Taraxacum officinale help with indigestion by releasing their bioactive compounds, which can stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion by reducing inflammation and improving gut motility.
• Elixir: An elixir of plants like Glycyrrhiza glabra and Zingiber officinale helps with indigestion by releasing their bioactive compounds, which can soothe the stomach and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating symptoms of indigestion.
• Tea: A tea made from plants like Camellia sinensis and Peppermint officinalis helps with indigestion by releasing their bioactive compounds, which can soothe the stomach and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating symptoms of indigestion and promoting digestion.
• Powder: A powder of plants like Cynara scolymus and Foeniculum vulgare helps with indigestion by releasing their bioactive compounds, which can stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion by reducing inflammation and improving gut motility.